Unlocking Potential: The Pivotal Role of Middle School Programs
Why Middle School Programs Matter
By: Verena Gibbs
I’m embarrassed to admit that even though I have spent my entire career in education, I felt woefully unprepared to meet the needs of my pre-teen daughter. Who was this new eye-rolling, awkward human in front of me? Had she lost her sense of humour, or had I just run out of new material? It would have been helpful to have a countdown clock letting me know just how long my old parenting strategies would remain current and useful, but alas, that’s not what happened.
This wasn’t the spinning top of a little girl I knew so well, she was changing right in front of me.
Finding the Magic
A panicked search for knowledge led me to a book entitled Finding the Magic in Middle School, by Chris Balme, where I found hope and guidance on how to orient myself to the needs of this new developmental phase – both as a parent and as an educator.
I quickly became that annoying person sharing the book with any parent who’d listen. At Soaring Eagle, we invited Chris to work with some of our staff and hosted a free session for parents and educators to meet with Chris and his work. We continue to work together and use Chris’ passion for middle school strategies to influence the way we design our new programs.
Empowering Middle schoolers
The team at Soaring Eagle Nature School is excited to launch two Middle School programs specifically designed with middle schoolers in mind. Based on the unique challenges and opportunities of this transitional stage, the programs focus on key developmental needs for middle schoolers: belonging, confidence, and purpose. Designing programs that specifically address these needs can profoundly benefit young learners, setting the stage for their future success.
Belonging
With their social identities firing, middle schoolers seek a safe space to explore who they are and to build genuine relationships. There is a distinct difference between belonging and fitting in. At Soaring Eagle, we design opportunities for kids to connect with each other in meaningful ways. The ingredients are simple but not always easy: space to be sincerely seen, heard, and valued.
Confidence
For many youth in their middle school years, their sense of self suddenly turns way up, which can feel like the whole world is watching their every move. For my daughter, her choice of clothes changed to the point it looked like she was constantly trying to blend into the background, camouflaged from the world. For others, brightly dyed hair or every changing style might also be how they are exploring this new sense of self. Regardless of where a young person is on their developmental journey, we can encourage them to gain confidence in a number of ways. Building the endurance to climb a peak that seems too great? Lead a community project with a real impact? The courage to show up authentically in a group of peers? The opportunity to build confidence is a fundamental piece to the design of our programs.
Purpose
Why am I learning this? Why does it matter? Unlike a keen grade 3 who might happily plod away on a worksheet, middle schoolers want to see the connection to what they are learning. Real life application can spark intrinsic motivation like nothing else! If done well, middle schoolers have an abundance of energy and ideas to dedicate to a project they believe in. Our programs are designed to introduce a new skill with the intent of applying this knowledge in a real like setting. Examples may include learning proper data collection to be shared with a conservation group, or the planning skills involved in leading your peers on a hike.
Know a middle schooler who might thrive in our middle school programs?
